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HR 8316

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Justine Caldwell and 9 co-sponsors

Provides $150,000 in FY2027 to sustain and expand Main Street Rhode Island, administered via Grow Smart Rhode Island under the Commerce Corporation using the Four Points Approach.

04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 8316

Summary of HR 8316 (Rhode Island) – 2026 Session

Title

Joint Resolution making an appropriation of $150,000 to the Main Street Rhode Island program

Purpose and Intent

  • To provide a dedicated appropriation of $150,000 in FY 2027 to support the ongoing Main Street Rhode Island program.
  • The resolution follows up on the 2025 establishment of a three-year Main Street Rhode Island program managed by Grow Smart Rhode Island, with operations coordinated through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
  • The goal is to advance year-two activities, sustain existing district cohorts (11 districts across 10 cities/towns in year one), and expand participation to additional districts.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Appropriation: Authorizes $150,000 to be allocated to Main Street Rhode Island for FY 2027.
  • Administration and Disbursement:
    • The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is empowered to accept and disburse the appropriated funds to Grow Smart Rhode Island for program administration and implementation.
    • Funds may be drawn from the fund created pursuant to chapter 64.27 of title 42 (special fund framework) and spent to support Main Street Rhode Island activities through the Four Points Approach developed by Main Street America.
  • Timeline:
    • Funds are to be disbursed in FY 2027, with a deadline allowing any portion of the appropriation to be used by December 31, 2026, to support expenditures related to administration and execution of the Main Street program.
  • Mechanism:
    • The state controller is authorized to issue payments upon receipt of authenticated vouchers, ensuring proper accounting and disbursement of the appropriated amount.

Affected Entities and Outputs

  • Governmental:
    • Rhode Island General Assembly (introduction, sponsorship, and passage of the resolution)
    • Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (authority to accept and disburse funds to Grow Smart Rhode Island)
    • State Treasurer/State Controller (issuance of payments upon vouchers)
  • Programmatic:
    • Grow Smart Rhode Island (recipient of funds for program administration)
    • Main Street Rhode Island program (implementation, coordination, and expansion of district cohorts)
  • Stakeholders:
    • Localities within the 11 districts already formed (11 cohorts across 10 cities/towns)
    • Potential additional districts to join the program in year two

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative History:
    • Introduced March 18, 2026; referred to House Finance.
    • Committee action: April 14, 2026, recommended to be held for further study.
    • Previous related action: 2025 Joint Resolution establishing the three-year program; $125,000 initial year appropriation authorized in the prior House Budget.
  • Effective/Expiration:
    • The appropriation is tied to FY 2027, with a mechanism to use funds by December 31, 2026, for program administration and execution, and to support expenditure related to the Main Street America Four Points Approach.

Potential Impact

  • Financial: Provides $150,000 to sustain and scale the Main Street Rhode Island program in its second year.
  • Programmatic: Facilitates ongoing support for existing districts and enables expansion to additional districts, leveraging the Four Points Approach (a Main Street America framework) for urban revitalization and revitalization activities.
  • Operational: clarifies funding flow through the Commerce Corporation to Grow Smart Rhode Island, ensuring proper fiduciary oversight and timely disbursement.

Bottom Line

HR 8316 seeks a targeted $150,000 appropriation in FY 2027 to continue and expand the Main Street Rhode Island program, with administrative funding routed through Grow Smart Rhode Island and overseen by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, enabling continued implementation of the Main Street America Four Points Approach.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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